Jan 16, 1926 - Oct 23, 2017
Len Peter Schofer was born January 16, 1926 in Eatonia, Saskatchewan; the youngest of eight children.
Len's mother contracted TB when Len was young and she was admitted to a Sanatorium where Len and his siblings would visit her on the weekends. She succumbed to her illness and Len's dad remarried later. Len had a new stepmom that was a good woman and looked after Len.
Len did well in school and learned an extra skill in the Eatonia pool hall which would benefit him later in life. Len joined the Air Force when he was 17 to see the world; he got as far as the Maritimes and Vancouver Island, never seeing any wartime.
Len met Betty in Calgary in 1947, at a boarding house where Betty lived and Len was visiting a friend. Len offered to dry the dishes that she had washed. They struck up a friendship, began dating and got married on October 14, 1948 in Vegreville and they were married for more than 67 years. They lived in Calgary for the next 11 years and had three sons: Ron, Rick and John.
Len worked on the railroad and made lots of friends and had some great experiences while working and playing poker. Both Len and Betty worked hard during their life in Calgary, but their dream was to go farming. Their dream became a reality in 1959, at which time they purchased a farm and moved their family to Byemoor.
They raised their three rambunctious boys on the farm just north of Byemoor. Len grew crops, ran a herd of cows and raised pigs; he loved his animals. Len was a good carpenter with the tools he had, he fixed all his own machinery, he was frugal about spending their hard earned money. He took the boys to Battle River fishing and never lost any of them.
Len was instrumental in bringing natural gas to the community. He played chess for countless hours with his old friend John Nil. He also loved taking in the Big Valley raft races watching his boys compete.
Len supported charitable causes and sponsored children in third world countries. Len was a big supporter of his community; he was well read and loved to discuss the political scene in Alberta and the world. He was loved and respected by many and was so proud to be a part of the Remembrance Day Ceremonies.
Len and Betty semi-retired to Byemoor in the late 1980s but continued to help John and Carolin on the farm. It was during these years that they had some free time which allowed them to be able to travel. They took ten bus trips, seven cruises, seven trips to Hawaii and a month tour to Europe. They were also able to spend 22 years winter vacationing in Apache Junction, Arizona where he played pool, golf and cards.
They moved from Byemoor to Stettler in 1993 and enjoyed full retirement, but still came out to the farm to help with seeding, haying and harvesting for many years. They enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren, time at the lake, doing volunteer work (meals on wheels and other causes) and played sports and participated in Alberta winter and summer games, where he won Gold, Silver and Bronze in playing pool. He also got a hole in one at the Stettler Golf Course.
Len fought with the Town of Stettler for a better Senior's Centre, he put up a good battle, but in the end lost to a poor idea put forward by the Town and he moved on somewhat and gave up the cause. They moved into Paragon Place to live out their days.
Len is survived by his loving family: sons: Ron (Noweata) Schofer of Kimberley, Rick (Bernie) Schofer of Stettler and John (Carolin) Schofer of Byemoor; grandchildren: Sarah Schofer (Cory O'Neil) of Calgary, Michael Schofer (Susan LaRose) of Stettler, Jennel Walsh of Stettler, Len (Rebecca) Schofer of Byemoor and Randy Schofer (Kory Bremmer) of Byemoor; great grandchildren: Gabriella and Lucas Walsh, Addison and Maverick Schofer and Beau LaRose; other family members and many dear friends.
Len was predeceased by his wife Betty on February 22, 2016.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 in St. George's Anglican Church, Stettler, Alberta with The Reverend K. David Holmes officiating. A loving tribute to their dad was shared by sons: John, Ron and Rick; readings were given by granddaughters Sarah and Jennel. A pictorial tribute was presented by granddaughter Jennel. Pianist Barbara-Lynn Goodwin shared her gift of music. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #59 presented the legion service in his honor.
Len was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Betty in Lake View Cemetery, Stettler, Alberta, honorary pallbearers were granddaughters Sarah Schofer and Jennel Walsh as grandsons: Michael Schofer, Lenard Schofer and Randy Schofer and sons: Ron Schofer, Rick Schofer and John Schofer served as active pallbearers.
Following the interment service family and friends joined together in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall for a time of sharing memories and a luncheon by the family.
Donations in memory are gratefully accepted to a charity of your choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
To send or view condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium
403-742-3422, entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.